Tagami called up Ken Bernhardt, a marketing professor at Georgia State and a dedicated arts patron, to see what he thought contributed to this rather unusual reversal of roles. Bernhardt acknowledged savvier marketing and better products, but he also points to people's need for an escape during dour times. In the context of economic development, this speaks to the ever-important and somewhat nebulous concept of "quality of life"- a big draw for young, educated workers, entrepreneurs and large companies alike.

In Atlanta's case, the arts are, at the moment, providing hope in the face of adverse circumstances not only in emotional terms, but also economic terms. Our culture is high quality, and it is affordable, even when markets are down. What does this sort of relationship to arts and culture communicate to recent graduates, businesses looking to relocate, or developers seeking a dynamic environment for their next project?

Prospective Atlantans can know that the caliber of arts events around town is extremely high. We (in development) already do a good job of name-checking current and coming attractions around town - those that folks from out of town would readily recognize - but Atlanta's arts and culture community is greater than the retail districts, big-ticket attractions, and restaurants Atlanta has come to be known for. Those are clearly an important part of the picture, and they definitely attract a crowd, but the things that get people to return or relocate, those are another story. Atlanta has these assets - from theater companies like the Georgia Shakespeare to avant-garde multimedia galleries like Eyedrum, to Grammy- and Tony-winning cultural powerhouses like the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theatre, to museums about civil war battles, authors, visual arts and even puppetry.

At ADA, we know that even when business isn't booming, Atlanta's quality of life maintains and flourishes - thanks in large part to a populace that cares and invests in the things it values. What could be a more supportive and positive environment for young professionals and new or expanding businesses?